Get Involved in Our Events!

Cottonwood Institute is known for our fun and creative events, which help raise critical funding to support our programs each year. Check out what we have coming up in 2025, Download our 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities, and reach out to Ford Church, Founder and Executive Director for more information at 303.447.1076 x700.

Want to help behind the scenes? We’re looking for energetic volunteers to assist with event support throughout the summer. Sign up below!

Cottonwood Community Happy Hour

Join Cottonwood Institute for a laid-back evening of brews and community at our 2025 Happy Hour, on Tuesday, September 9th from 5-8pm! Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just beer-curious and looking to stumble into something good, you’re welcome to raise a glass with us. $1 from every pint sold during the event will be donated back to Cottonwood Institute, thanks to the generosity of our friends at Woods Boss Brewing Company. No need to mention the cause – just show up, enjoy the vibe, and help us continue to connect students to the outdoors through hands-on environmental education. We’ll see you there!

20th Annual Base Camp Bash

The 20th Base Camp Bash held on April 5, 2025 was a great success! Stay tuned for more info about next year’s event!

The Base Camp Bash is our main fundraising event and annual excuse to get together in person, have fun, celebrate our students and successes, and is a great opportunity to network with the movers and shakers of Denver. This event helps raise the critical funds we need each year to connect students to the outdoors and empower them to take action to improve their schools, the community, and the environment for future generations.

Save the Date: The 2026 Base Camp Bash is TBD, but we will be announcing details soon!

The Throwdown

The Throwdown has become one of the best charity cornhole tournaments in Denver. This event is specifically designed for fun people who want to enjoy an afternoon outside playing cornhole with delicious food and beverages, while supporting a great local educational non-profit.

Whether you’re an expert or you’ve never heard of the game before, it is a great time for all. Relax, no experience is needed to participate!

Save the Date: The Throwdown 2026 is TBD, so stay tuned y’all!

Beats on the Creek

Beats on the Creek is a summer concert series put on by Coohills Restaurant to support local non-profits. There will be live music, award-winning wines, craft beer, and cocktails. Admission is $10 per person that will support Cottonwood Institute.

Coohills Restaurant and bar will be open at 5:00pm. The bar area will have open seating- first come, first served! Patio tables require a reservation and are reserved for the entire evening during Beats on the Creek events. Interested in reserving? Call Coohills at 303-623-5700.

Save the Date: The 2026 Beats on the Creek Summer Concert Series dates are TBD. Stay tuned!

Harvard Gulch Golf Invitational

Join us at Harvard Gulch for drinks, food, prizes, and 9 holes of beginner-friendly par three golf! This tournament is presented by Ryan Feaster with Realty ONE Group Five Star and open to everyone age 21 and over. All net proceeds from the event will benefit Cottonwood Institute in memory of Rivers Stilwell.

Save the Date: The 2026 Harvard Gulch Golf Invitational is TBD, so stay tuned!